Urgent: California Cat Sacrificed After Contracting H5N1 Avian Flu From Contaminated Raw Food
San Francisco, CA – September 6, 2025 – A heartbreaking case of avian flu has emerged in California, prompting an urgent warning from health officials. A domestic cat was euthanized after testing positive for the H5N1 virus, traced back to consumption of contaminated raw cat food. This marks a concerning development in the ongoing monitoring of avian flu’s spread, not just in poultry, but now with a confirmed case linked to commercially available pet food.
Raw Food Recall: RAWR Brand Under Scrutiny
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the San Francisco Department of Health have identified specific lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats as the source of the infection. Lots CCS 25 077 and CCS 25 093 have tested positive for the H5N1 variant, leading to a voluntary withdrawal of these lots by the company. The affected product is packaged in 2.5-pound (1.13 kg) bags containing 40 individual portions, clearly labeled with the identified lot codes.
While the recall is currently voluntary, and a national recall hasn’t been issued, authorities are urging consumers in California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area where the product is most prevalent, to check lot codes and avoid feeding these specific batches to their cats. RAWR has notified its distributors and temporarily suspended distribution of the designated lots.
Avian Flu in Pets: A Growing Concern
This case isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been intensifying data collection on zoonotic infections in pets – diseases that can jump from animals to humans – following recent outbreaks in poultry farms and isolated cases in mammals. While this is the first confirmed case linked to contaminated pet food, it underscores the potential for avian flu to affect a wider range of animals.
“We’re seeing a shift in the landscape of avian flu,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary epidemiologist not involved in this specific case. “Historically, it’s been primarily a bird disease. But the virus is evolving, and its ability to infect mammals, even if it doesn’t always cause severe illness, is a significant concern. This case highlights the importance of biosecurity measures, even in our pets’ food.”
Recognizing the Symptoms: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Avian flu in domestic animals can manifest in a variety of ways. Keep a close watch for these symptoms in your cats and dogs, especially if they’ve consumed raw poultry products:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy (sluggishness)
- Redness or inflammation of the eyes
- Nasal and eye discharge
- Respiratory difficulties
- Neurological symptoms (seizures, blindness)
While dogs are generally considered less susceptible and tend to exhibit milder symptoms, cats are at higher risk. Young animals, elderly pets, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Protecting Your Pets – and Yourself
The FDA emphasizes that, as of now, there’s no evidence of human infection linked to this specific food. However, preventative measures are crucial. The agency strongly recommends:
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, especially those containing poultry.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have come into contact with raw food.
- Avoiding contact with sick animals.
- Isolating any affected pets.
- Avoiding raw poultry products of unverified origin.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with raw food diets for pets. While proponents tout the nutritional benefits, the risk of bacterial and viral contamination is undeniably present.
Federal and state authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the potential outbreak and to ensure the safety of the pet food supply. The FDA is urging pet owners to remain vigilant, report any suspicious symptoms to their veterinarians, and stay updated on the latest information from health authorities. Archyde will continue to provide breaking updates as this story develops.
For more in-depth coverage of breaking news, health alerts, and pet care information, visit Archyde.com. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize the health of your beloved companions.
